A good place to begin the installation of a central vacuum system is to mount the power unit to a wall outside the living area. Plan to position the unit on or near an exterior wall so the exhaust line can be easily routed outdoors. (For more about proper planning and layout of your central vacuum system, see Planning a Central Vacuum System.)

Use 2 1/2-inch-long screws to mount the plate to the wall; be sure to drive the screws securely into a wall stud.

Hang the vacuum canister on its bracket and then hold up the exhaust line assembly, complete with muffler and elbows, and mark where it meets the wall. Cut through to the outside and mount the exhaust vent and its exterior wall cap.